What Can I Do To Protect My Business From A Data Breach?

By Stephen Key - Key Harrington Barnes, PC

Cyber attackers are waging an invisible war against businesses everywhere. In an instant, a cybercriminal can hack into a business’ network, access confidential information and wreak havoc.

But if you’re a business owner, you may be able to protect your company’s sensitive data by preparing a comprehensive cybersecurity plan.

Here are some things that you can do as a business owner to thwart a cyber attack.

Encrypt your data

When a business encrypts their data it makes it much more challenging for a hacker to access the company’s database. Some computers such as Windows and MacOS already have encryption disks built in that you simply need to enable.

Update anti-malware software

When malware infects your company’s computers, hackers can access a seemingly endless amount of data. Viruses and malware breach your company’s network and can provide hackers information such as logins to bank accounts or passwords.

One way that can help to prevent this type of cyber attack is to install trusted anti-virus and anti-malware software on your computers. This type of software can help to alert you to suspicious activity and remove it from your devices.

Educate your employees

Employees can be the first line of defense that hackers will encounter. Your staff may open a spam email or visit an unsafe website that can result in a cyber security breach. You can prevent your employees from falling into hacker’s traps by educating them on how to keep their computers secure and the data protected.

Adhering to the aforementioned tips may help prevent your company from becoming a victim of cybercrime.

However, as the methods that hackers use become more sophisticated, it is important to review your business’ cybersecurity plan frequently.

And, while it is possible to recover from a cyber attack, preventing a cyber attack is usually easier than trying to prepare for a counter attack. Creating a comprehensive plan to combat cybersecurity threats can ensure that you are one-step ahead of hackers.

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